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AN 




EU I.OGY 




COMMEMORATIVE OF THE CHARACTER OF 

II 


HON. HENRY ( 

ii 


CT- AY, 


1, 

h 

I 

- BY HENRY H. TATOR, 

!! 

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■i 

ESQ. 


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i| PRO PACE SUA, ET PEO LIBERTATE PATRI^ 


. — SEXECA. 


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I; 

(Topjirigljt 3ccnreli. 




ALBANY: 
JOEL MUNSELL, 58 STATE STREET, 
. 1852. 



AN 



EULOGY 



COMMEMORATIVE OF THE CHARACTER OF ": 

'HI 



HON. HENRY CLAY, 



BY HENRY H. TATOR, ESQ. 



PRO PACE SUA, ET PRO LIBERTATE PATRI^. SENECA. 



Copjirigl}t fi^cnreb. 



ALBANY: 

JOEL MUNSELL, 58 STATE STREET, 

1852. 



3^0 



DEDICATORY EPISTLE. 



The eye may glance over the earth by day, 
and roll up to the heavens by night, yet it shall 
behold no object more beautiful than a pious 
Patriot. The ear may listen to the music of 
harjnonious elements, and of vieful art, yet it 
shall hear no sound more thrilling than the voice 
of an eloquent Patriot. The tongue may herald 
a world of truths to a truthful world, yet it shall 
utter no truth more reverable, than the worth 
of an immortal Patriot. A wise Patriot is to 
mankind, like a beauteous park in a great town, 
it leaves forth, and the citizens around it enjoy 
still more the bounteous breath of life. A na- 
tion of unholy warriors may die, and no man 
weep; while no preeminent Patriot can die, 
but that the eye of every republican nation 
is blurred with a tear. Patriots are the balister- 
bars, which protect humanity down the stair- 
way of liberty. If patriotism is the alpha, li- 
berty will be the omega of life. 

This mere tick of my love for Henry Clay, 
who is one of America's attractionists, humani- 
tv's honor, and freedom's friend, and who en- 
joyed a timely death, I dedicate to my beloved 
father, whose death was alas ! alas ! too un- 
timely, 

Mr. GEORGE TATOE. 



EULOGY. 



FRif:NDS OF Universal Freedom : 

Though rainbows arch the firmament, until 
all men look upward with delight, yet their 
beauty is dull when compared to the works 
of a good man. Though descending clouds 
turn to molten silver, and strew the earth 
over with precious coins, yet they can be ot no 
such value to humanity, as the parian thoughts, 
that descend from the brains of a great man. 
Though Heaven itself should bestow the wealth 
of all its material works upon some chosen spir- 
it, yet that spirit would be poor in God's sight, 
to him who serves a nation with an amiable 
ability, for a nation's salety and welfare. A 
scrupulous ambition, is a most needful element, 
to the success of even a great intellect. Uncom- 
mon credit, therefore, is due to him who from 
the humblest, elevates himself to the highest 
plane of civilized mind, among his cotempora- 
ries. All men are bv nature humble in mind 
at first, though some are more, and others less 
so, in ratio as they have inherited physical and 
mental power from immediate or remote an- 
cestors. 

Grateful indeed should be those sons and 
daughters, who inherit great and noble quali- 
ties of mind. A good use of fine gifts, is the 
finest token of gratitude^ their possessor can of- 
fer, to the giver. Providence loves him best, 
and is served most, by him, wbo labors best to 
exalt human existence. Great iiations and 
great natures, like autumn and harvest, ripen 



together; yet the man who loves his country 
best, may not serve it best, lor superior capacity 
of mind, and an opportunity for great service, 
are always near each otlier, and both are too 
often too far from many, whose li carls are ne- 
vertheless large, and healthy, and wholesome; 
still one who woukl serve his country well, 
must love her truly, or he will be untrue, though 
never, save at unawares ; for he can scarcely do 
always well, who is rarely solicitous as to what 
he does, Tiiat statesman is wisest who labors 
rather lor universal welfare, than for particular 
favor ; and rather to render a country perma- 
nently happy, than to show himself little else 
than intellectually great. 

Henry Clay was born in freedom's land ; he 
lived a freeman's life, and died with all free- 
men's love ; his birth was his country's bless- 
ing; his life was his country's light, and his 
death is to the human familv no common de- 
privation. 

It may be preferable to be born the subject 
of a despot, than to have no existence at all ; 
yet to first open our eyes beneath the light of a 
republic, is a privilege for no one to remember, 
save with profound gratefulness, nor to be for- 
gotten Avithout those pangs of conscience which 
constitute perdition. Life is a free grant from 
Heaven — a beacon boon, that cannot be enjoy- 
ed to any considerable degree, except there is 
a judicious freedom granted unto it also, and 
connected with it. Life in bondage to wicked- 
men is but a lifeless badge; for bondage is an 
eternal badge of mourning to th(» bound. To 
die blessed with the love of kindred, is pleas- 
ant ; with the love of a republican nation, is 
bliss indeed ; with the love of all enlig}iten<'d 
men, is a christian-like consolation ; and with 



the love and approbation of God, encrowns the 
crown of ecstacv^ 

Mr. Clay's laborious employments, in his 
early life, strengthened his naturally delicate 
physical constitution, and rendered the palace 
of the body, a lit temporal abode for a princely 
mind ; his poverty in youth compelled him to 
labor ; filial regard made it a pleasure to him ; 
his own active mind induced him to be useful- 
ly employed ; and his example will no doubt 
be worth Ophir upon Ophir, to sustain and en- 
courage those high industrial notions which 
confirm a nation's prosperity, and by which 
American liberties, civil and ecclesiastical, will 
be mainly supported, and its virtues spread 
abroad like noonday light, among the benight- 
ed nations of men. The inducements to use- 
ful industry a^e many ; for there are .several 
fearful instances in the hi.^tory of our progeni- 
tor republics, where a habit, if not even a fash- 
ionable custom lor indolence, has pos.sessed 
Iheir people like a species oi' witchcraft, and 
their Ixniuty soon laded out. and their glory fell 
into a gloomy grave ; and those, too, cannot be 
easily enumerated, who, as individuals, have 
fa Hen into disagreeable conditions of body and 
spirit, from ancient down to modern times, by 
an anti-industrial disposition. Industry is the 
proximus amicus ola youthful nation, while in- 
dolence makes it a child olgrace. which strength- 
ens too little with its growth, but only grows 
like a w(mh1 in over-rich soil, until sonu^ un- 
lucky gust, breaks it off at the root ; and lo ! its 
end is the veriest vanity. A useful employ- 
ment, (lisjx'ls till" ghostly foes that haunt the 
paths of indolence ; feeds the hungry wants of 
diurual \\\\'\ clothes the nudeous requests, which 
granteil, bring contentment to the mind : ac- 



cuinulates that wealtli of noble acts, which 
adorned an ancient Abraham ; and it ^ives lis 
a zest to welcome, and also to welcome with 
zeal every rational responsibility, as becomes 
his i2^ratei'ul descendants. 

Mr. Clay's sell-educative power was not only 
an indisputable omen ol" greatness inherited, 
but it is what most men must possess, and what 
all should possess in a world, where there is so 
much to learn, and so few to rightly teach; 
wlu're such great dependence must rest on 
one's self, and so little upon others ; and where 
without educating self for the triumphs of life, 
by a lite of trials, there can be little prospect, 
less confident hope, and no reliable certainty of 
superior success. In a republic like Ameri- 
ca, capacity not caste, talent not title, bravery 
and honesty, not a brainless hereditary honor 
and nobility, are the qualities which generally 
promote a man, which constitute the essence 
of American society, and which shed the adorn- 
ing beams of American civilization around the 
globe. Men who are born with beacon minds, 
may tbrego the realizing of those extra-educa- 
tional advantages, which minds of mediocrity 
must enjoy, or resign themselves to a hapless 
wakemanship. The schools may fill memory 
with many useful facts, and likewise sharpen 
judgment, and somewhat magnify comprehen- 
sion ; yet to be ably learned, a man must study 
a lifetime; and to be really wise, he must reflect 
scores of years. The advantages of learning 
derived from books and teachers, should be ac- 
quired and used, only to enable us to write in 
turn more useful books than we have ever read; 
and to become at last more brilliant teachers, 
than the brightest by whom we were first taught. 

Mr. Clay chose a profession, which perhaps 



above all others extant, is the surest avenue, to 
uu bounded secular distinction, the grandest 
arena, lor the display of resistless powers of rea- 
soning, and an attractive theatre, which opens 
a high path for the exhibition of all-glorious 
abilities in learning, and statesmanship, and pa- 
triotism, and honorable station. He pursued the 
practice of law to acquire daily sustenance, to 
develop a latent intellect, to extend his name 
and reputation among the masses, and to bene- 
fit those lor whom he labored professionally, by 
obtaining justice for them through the tact of 
his address, and the ingenuity of his pleadings, 
through the greatness of his arguments, and suc- 
cess through the potency of his spirit stirring 
appeals. 

In choosing a profession for life, a young man 
ought first, above all other things, to study deep- 
ly into his own innate adaptation of mind there- 
for; for there is scarce a more difficult thing (be- 
ing one that is yet possible) than to adapt the 
mind by discipline, to the easy performing of that 
task, which nature herself has done but little to 
facilitate. The object of entering a profession, 
must not be gilded over with flattering diplomas 
and decrees, for these are too often bought and 
sold; but measure your professional prospects, by 
your constantly increasing attachment thereto, 
for he who loves his calling will surely progress, 
though slowly therein, also by your ability to 
master its abstruse parts; yet a mind more solid 
than sprightly, will advance slowly in a busi- 
ness profession, yet after it shall have had an 
initiating practice, its march will be rapid to- 
wards the highest positions attained by the pro- 
fession ; which mere business talent, though 
somewhat strong, can never attain to, unless 
led by, and coupled with those stable powers of 



9 

stron<^ comprehension, of convincino^ looric, of 
rare <ri'neral reason iii^i", and of deep close dis- 
crimination, Avliieli awaken op[)()nents, convince 
jndt!:es, and leave an aljidin<;- impression upon 
all minds within their inlhientiai reach. De- 
tracting rivals, or rather conrtiers without an 
honest or an honorable crest, throng every pro- 
fession, who, though they cannot say or do 
whatever will elicit a testimonious regard from 
men of consideration, can neither utter a kind 
word, nor yet do a kind act, whereby a shade 
even of manliness may be seen. Aim to be 
the leading spirit in your profession, determine 
to be the best among your professional breth- 
ren, and your success, if not great, will surely 
be gratifying and commendable to all. 

Mr. Clay may have had many political, yet 
but few or no personal enemies ; however, his 
enemies whoever thev were, or from whatever 
source they came, opposed a noble and beauti- 
iiil nature, which like Joshua's, could bask in 
the Ascalon ol forgiveness, or soar up to the 
Gibeonoi" magnanimity. Poetry, perhaps, may 
express our meaning more impressively : 

With toil and sand the coraFs Isle is reared, 

Thus care and culture joined, dispel all fear 
That lurks around the path the nrian pursues, 

Who aims at glory, glorious to vie'v. 
Roll up ye serpent flames, that menace lofty hope, 

Blaze forth in fury, genius with you copes; 
Quenched is your doom, for suns of fiery foes 

Die oiit in darkness, 'neath the Ocean hose 
Of decreed greatness. 

Mr. Clay's professional success lay within 
himself, rather than in extraneous circumstan- 
ces, such as abundant funds, family power, or 
fine educational advantages, but his own in- 
born and in-bred greatness of soul, which is 
more than wealth, even as mind is more than 

2 



10 

matter, which circumstrides pelty I'amily or so- 
cial bands, as the heavens surround the eartli ; 
whicli is above, and lar, far beyond the master- 
ship oflimpisii lialls of learning, and the slavisli 
confinements and warpish ceremonies of sciiools 
and Avhich indeed had only to adjust the plumes 
of its powers, while its out spread pinions catch- 
ing the breeze of universal favor, circle toward 
the throne, and crown, and sceptre; of truth, 
consistency and sacredness, yea, and accompa- 
nied too, only by righteous and honorable ri- 
vals, with whom defeat calls forth nothing de- 
tractory, and triumph justifies not even the 
semblance of unhallowed tvrannv. True sue- 
cess is more than a transient sign; is the very 
spirit and sound substance of true merit. — 
Wealth, power, and advantages inherited, can- 
not create merit, yet merit alone can create 
them all. A man may procure certain kinds 
of success in j)olitico-prolessional lile, lor a 
price ; yet merit, like genius, cannot be bought ; 
it is above diamonds and gold dust. Elate your- 
self but little, because of enjoying a business 
of full profit ; rather profit yourself by using 
such means, in causing the increase in happi- 
ness of all, through the rising mental and mo- 
ral renown of yourself, your kindred, and your 
cotemporaries. Increase the number of the 
wise, that wisdom may call you father ; throw 
attractiveness aroiuid the cause of" goodness by 
your example, and the mantle of peace and 
manhood shall cover you. The ephemeral 
gourd of money-hoarding success, will, after 
the passing of a tew ages aflbrd no abiding 
shelter to your memory, against the storm of 
oblivion. A nature wlu^refrom there descends 
an ideal idea unio men, men will not feiiiuedly 
forget. Profession implies possession ; and he 



11 

Avlio possesses his profession, especially the pro- 
lession of law, redeems his prolessorship more 
tluiii iiiaiiy. 

Mr. Clay's introclm-liou iiilo jjolilical service, 
was, perhaps, j)leasiii<^' to his innate preleren- 
ces, and as snitabk', no doubt, to his own innate 
powers. The introductory chapter in the vol- 
ume of his history, is richly romantic and 
novel, considerin<i^ his extreme youthluhiess, 
his external disadvantages, his then partial 
standing- in any position, and his chance of 
rneetin*;- with a marked defeat; yet fortunate, 
Ibrtunate indeed, was it for Kentuckian fame, 
for American liberties, and for himself^ that his 
constituents foresaw in the bud, the promise of 
a bright and beautiful rose, whose fragrance 
has since filled every air, which has shed its 
melodies through grove and forest, over field 
and glen, through villages and towns and cities, 
through camp and cabinet, from ocean to ocean, 
from the arctic circle to the antarctic, and all 
over the land of his glory for the last fifty years. 
It is surely not common, for a young man 
without extensive personal acquaintance, and 
without having, too, a consolidate character, as 
regards a matured Christian heart and a clear 
head, to obtain to a great degree the confidence 
of an enlightened constituency. Let American 
laws be enacted by wise men, and executed 
by good men ; for then no future republic will 
look back and learn, that great was our rise — 
our fall greater. For quite young men to urge 
their way into the benighting mazes of the po- 
litical world, with (as is too often) an over- 
grown anxiety for power under the law, before 
the hiAv of power, particularly governmental 
power, is understood by them through reflec- 
tion and observation, or comprehended through 



12 

a general development of their minds, by at first 
attending to the more appropriate and circum- 
scribed duties ol'lile, is universe lor themselves, 
and impolitic ior the State. Rulers of State 
and society, in parts or aggregately, also legisla- 
tors and executors of laws, must possess a self- 
raised character for high integrity, and honor- 
able capacity, or the danger of discontent and 
downfall of a constituency is great — very great. 
Young men should learn and obey their coun- 
try's laws, before they aspire to their enaction 
or execution. However, if a young man chooses 
politics and legislation for a profession, to pro- 
cure self-sustenance, to confer blessings and 
choice counsels upon his countrymen, and pos- 
sesses strong natural abilities, he may, perhaps, 
be safely entrusted with the rare responsibility 
of state government. Men in common, never- 
theless, should live and discipline their minds, 
at least two scores of years ; before they con- 
ceit enlarged political influence or legislative 
capacity. 

Mr. Clay Avas apt beyond most men, and tri- 
fles which are of no account to the majority, 
were to him means which his aptness trans- 
formed, and transferred, to his oAvn practical 
benefits. This power and peculiar gift was 
exercised likewise for his country's good, upon 
divers occasions of moment, and not more to 
the surprise of the illy-cultivated masses, ^han 
to the admiration of llie most able-minded. 
Like a genii ho flourisjied the mysterious wand 
of aptness, aiul the palace of triumph i\\\od the 
critical eye of his country's Aladdiu; he kneeled 
upon the mount of political policy, and heaven 
seerned to reveal to his imploring sj)irit the se- 
crets of his country's succ(\><s; halting home 
industry touched the hem of his governmental 



3 



system, and behold it walked forth again, witli 
a conqnerinfi streno;^tli ; he ])ass('d the mag^netic 
stroke ol" thoufiht over tlu^ hiind eye ol'Ameri- 
ea's Ibreign intereourse, and anon a ])rotective 
tariti enamored its vision ; the fiery ra^^e of 
treatinor enemies, eooled beneath liis compro- 
mistieal olive braneh, and treaties of peace 
were signed at his bidding. Aptness in one 
who conducts j)nblie affairs, secures his coun- 
try's claims and rights, while it eludes the 
grave like grasp of opponents. A genuine aptness 
enables one to do hard things easily, settle long 
disputes cpiickly, and say painful things plea- 
santly. And Mr. Clay was herein the great 
aorta of American mind. Mr. Clay's social 
qualities were like the carbuncle, which flashes 
beauty in every light, for every strata of society 
found an ornament in his presence ; the com- 
mon orders of men loved him tlirough admira- 
tion, and superior orders admired him through 
appreciation: nay, mankind loved him because 
he loved mankind. As the optic nerve conveys 
objects to the censorium only through the 
agency of light ; so an orator conveys his tho'ts 
to his listeners, only by means of the love and 
regard for their welfare which they contain. 
An intense love for men's personal welfare is 
as indispensable to a statesman ; as a tutor's 
love for his pupils is requisite for his success in 
their instructions. The warming embers of 
true policy must be kept clear from the cinders 
and ashes of fc^igned regard, and deceit ; or a 
statesman's followers will assuredly forsake 
him when he most needs their fidelity and sup- 
port. A generous heart behind a great head, 
in a gracious cause, will not be left to sojourn 
alone throughout the world. 

Mr. Clay in addressing the masses of man- 



14 

kind, was the most eloquent man of the tirst 
hall" of the nineteenth century; his eloquence 
flowed more from appropriateness of action 
than from profound reflections, and more from 
the harmonious tones of his voice than from 
his lordly looic. He spoke with ease because 
he knew what to say; with earnestness be- 
cause he was sayin<r something important ; 
with convictiveness because he spoke in the 
candor of truth ; and with eloquence because 
his will commanded his thoughts, his thoughts 
aroused his feelings, his feelings electrized his 
speech, and his speech controlled a nation. 
Preeminent oratory, skyward sends its prayerful 
voice, and the maddened beastsof monarchy are 
muzzled forever ; chides in its power, and the sa- 
vage sea of mortal servitude calms its turbid bo- 
som; tenders to the public its profound appeals, 
and the arrays of stubborn Agrippas yield to its 
sway ; descends like a spirit of redemption in 
an unredeemed world, and each day of its ef- 
forts is a day of pentecost, and each pentecost 
numbers thrice three thousand. 

Mr. Clay almost from infancy cultivated the 
art of extempore speaking : so that eloquence 
was the heart-friend of his youth, and tlu^ high 
fortune of his age ; nay, it was born in his soul, 
and was the soul of his being — he charmed 
this world with its ennobling power — it is his 
supreme tocsin ol' influence, in the first world 
above us. His voice is heard no more as from 
a man in the flesh upon the earth, yet it is 
being heard at tliis instant in yon sweeter clime; 
and as we Americans go hence, and higher in 
the path of |)erlrction, it will again charm us 
as never before. 

Mr. Clav's ])ersonal ap])caranci\ like the ge- 
neral cast of his mind, was remarkably peculiar 



15 

aiul interesting:; his attitude as a speaker was 
like a lofty ])ine, sliijjhtly bent lor ward by tiie 
breeze; his voiee was at times nuisieal and 
retiiied, like woman's, and anon ileej) and bold 
like thunders in a eavern ; liis t^estures at first 
were like the «rracet'ul wavin^s of a willow's 
braneh, and anon beeame sweeping and terri- 
ble like an oak's trunk in a mountain storm ; 
his eye when intensely excited flashed like a 
northern star in a midwinter's night ; his smiles 
were like the early bursts of morning; his 
Irowns were like clouds before a hurricane ; 
his words, like his thoughts, were brilliant and 
choice ; his forehead, like his senatorial argu- 
ments, if not mightily bold, was nevertheless 
great ; and as an orator, if his style was indeed 
more potent than his substance, yet sureJy they 
both upon all occasions enlightened and blessed 
mankind. 

Henry Clay ! thou divine patriot ! thou peer- 
less pacificator ! thou orator of orators ! thou 
sovereign statesman ! thou sweet and holy 
friend ! our heart has lost a beloved jewel Irom 
its casket ; it weeps ; America is bereft of a 
sacred son ; she feels her loss ; the world listens 
to thy death knell, and reluctantly believes that 
thou art gone forever. The Grecian forgets his 
present troubles, and meditates, amid tears of 
gratitude, upon thy faithful efforts in his behalf 
The swarthy South American, too, joins in the 
procession of humanity, in rendering honor to 
thy memory. The hardy Cherokee, lialts in 
his bloody chase, and breathes forth upon the 
winds of the forest a prayer of grateful remem- 
brance, for thy past sympathy and love towards 
the poor, poor Indian. All men of all civilized 
nations encircling the Earth, recall thy services 
to humanity, and humanity itself chants thy 



16 

requiem. Wherever the human ton^iue pro- 
claims the heart's thouglits, there shall the ear 
hear kind words spoken to thy remembrance. 
Wherever a gentle zephyr waits aloft a repub- 
lican flag, there shall the eye behold thy name 
inscribed high, high amid blessings. Wherever 
an American sojourns throughout the Earth, 
the lovely story of thy lile will be portrayed 
with joy and laithfulness. Wherever eloquence 
is adinired, an admiration for thy name will be 
pure and perpetual. Wherever patriotism is 
nourished, the tree of thy life's principles will 
hnd nourishment, if needs be by the blood of 
thy brother's children. Wherever liberty is 
revered, a loyal reverence lor thy nature will 
beotfered up, without sacrilege to Omnipotence. 
Wlierever an American matron in advancing 
ages shall instruct her son, she will teach him 
to emulate thy rich example. Wherever an 
American father shall hereafter educate his 
daughter, he will adjure her to recall thy right- 
eous career, in returning thanks to God for the 
bestowment of Earth's blessings. Wlierever 
genius shall henceibrth struggle eye to eye with 
unwonted poverty, thy early history sliall in- 
spire it with fresh hope and courage. Where- 
ver a iuture patriot shall encounter relentless 
enemies, the recollection of thy honorable tri- 
umphs over thine, will electrize the right-arm ot 
endeavor. Wherever the vStatesman, the Histo- 
rian, the Patriot, the Orator, the Christian, the 
Poet, and the Traveler, of thine own or foreign 
lands, may hereafter stand upon either hemis- 
])here, their minds Avill never enjoy a more hal- 
lowed inspiration, than whik' standing beneath 
the green sliades of thine own dear Ashland, and 
while, like pure-hearted pilgrims, they kneel, 
in reverential love, beside thy distinguished 



' • 17 

grave. Departed Benefactor ! thy cenotaph for 
virtue, like Paul's, is in the heart of Christians; 
thy eulogy for eloquence, like Henry's, is in a 
country's greatness ; thy mausoleum lor states- 
manship, like Burke's, is in the works of a fer- 
tile mind ; thy monument lor immortality, 
like Christ's, is built not of marble, but of 
abiding love — not perishable like the Earth, but 
enduring, like the God-laid walls of Eternity. 

Mr. Clay's Americanality of views is undis- 
puted by those who know it well ; and his 
republicanality of aims is admired by all with 
whom it is fully understood ; his justness 
of view, induced him to legislate for the com- 
mon benefit of all classes, while his practical 
generosity of aim, urged whatever measures 
would be most conducive to the perpetuitous 
prosperity of the commonwealth ; party love in 
him was strong, yet stronger still was his love 
for principle. It was truly well said by him- 
self of himself, *' I had rather be right than to 
be president." His countrymen however ele- 
vated him to the dignity of senatorship, and in 
grateful return he contributed much — very 
much to elevate his country to the natural 
summit of national sovereignty. The views of 
every American can not be too republican, and 
if they are indeed republican, they will be 
American ; for it is with us as it must be with 
all subsequent nations, situate like unto us, that 
each citizen becomes a virtual legislator, whose 
intelligence generally gives a direction to, if it 
does not always decide the action of those who 
are vested with the prerogative of direct legis- 
lative power. Legislators may be generous, 
yet they must be just in the enacting of every 
law which governs our country. No legislator 
can attain to the atmosphere of serene states 

3 



18 

manship unless his mind is sufficiently capa- 
cious to comprehend the g^eneral and minute 
governmental wants of a great people. The 
latitude ol' thought allotted to interior minds is 
sectional and altogether partistical ; yet a valu- 
able representative of a nation, possesses na- 
tional aims and national views, which are a 
reproach to no people. Will America's wish 
for national, and if necessary for all-creational 
legislatorship increase ? Will it increase until 
the American republic, unlike all her prede- 
cessors, shall be, we will say, beyond a humili- 
ating downfall, and until our government shall 
become more glorious (if it be not so now), 
than the joint glories of all other earthly gov- 
ernments? 

Mr. Clay at length attained an age and posi- 
tion among the republican rulers of his country, 
which empowered his name and popularized 
his acts almost inimitably. He wanted and 
wished lor supreme executive privilege, only to 
execute the prayers of his heart, in providing 
for his beloved America's dearest wishes and 
indispensable wants. From youth upward until 
his death, which occurred during his seventy- 
fifth summer, he increased in the power of 
wisdom and a moral power among his fellow 
freeman, and with all mankind. It is having 
a power to bestow benefits upon men, and 
thereby meanly burthening them with the pains 
of a heartless oppression, that the former be- 
comes dangerous. The glistening rapier in the 
haiuls of a good man may become an instru- 
ment of use and self-protection ; yet when 
transferred to a robber's grasp, it is the weapon 
of fierce bloodshed and death. Let no man pre- 
sume for an instant in any instance, that the 
abuse of whatever powers he may, is the wise 



19 

and straight way to a position resting on real 
power, or to a power based on a relieving per- 
maneney. How speedy oi'times is the rise to a 
proud executive, and other powers, of a man en- 
dowed with an iniperini Intel lert spurred onward 
and u])ward by an ininieasurablc ambition ? 
How little Ave are at birth ! How great we 
may become by judicious labors before Death 
disembodies us ! How good should men be, 
beibre they may feel that Providence entirely ap- 
proves of their conduct ! The trickling stream- 
let gathers its silvery particles, and forming a 
royal-river, rolls onward with a conquering 
power towards a shoreless sea ; thus the spirited 
child gathers up its growing energies, and 
walks bravely into the world's midst, com- 
manding it forward, by deeds and thoughts, 
which born, can never die, and still journeying 
upwards, the follower of God. 

Mr. Clay's name and influence during his 
elder years, became a national pride. To love 
him sincerely all true Americans could not but 
do ; to honor him freely, was a universal desire ; 
to speak of him often and with filial tenderness, 
was a characteristic of his countrymen ; the 
friendly grasp of his hand, was remembered 
and recalled with rapturous joy, by millions of 
his fellow men; his autographs were valued 
and cherished by their possessors, like choice 
gifts from the loved and departed. A lofty 
niche in the American heart, is, and will con- 
tinue to be filled with his memory. Great 
Christendom itself, contemplates his meritori- 
ous services with an unutterable gratitude ; 
followed by a flow of unceasing affection, 
which will be transmitted unto, and imitated 
by forthcoming ages, down to the tenthou- 
sandth generation. 



20 

As dolpliins bask within the crystal pool, 
Keflecliug beauties, countless in each shoal. 
Thus juatured greatness, 'mid the joys of age, 
Keriects the merits true, of saint and sa^e. 
Swilter tlian seraph's thougtii tiie ages tlv, 
To him wiio sees the work, and wills the eye 
To scan the toil, and mind to plan the scheme, 
To wreck the crew ot pirate sins that teem, 
Like poisonous locusts o'er green harvest plains, 
Piercing with death each tender fruit and grain 
Of human promise; sprung from heaven's gratt, 
And soil ot heavenly richness. 

A true statesman's eye, though it beholds 
many tempting protferings, to bribe away the 
integrity of the heart, yet it can never be 
moved to undue acceptations; and his ear, 
though it listen to the seducing accents of 
traitorous plans, yet his hand will in no wise 
strain its cords in attempts of disalliance. 

Mr. Clay's spirit was so beautiiully organized, 
as to be exhilerated at the kind mention of the 
word LiBKRTY. Few there have been, who ever 
comprehended its import more fully than did 
he; none there are, who teel more earnestly 
than did himself, that with an enlightened lib- 
erty ; life becomes more precious at every suc- 
ceeding breath ; and without it each success- 
ive breath becomes burdensome, like the sins 
of Saul upon Israel, Ensure to America her two 
Henry Clays for approaching ages ; grant her 
one at the opening, and th(> other at the close of 
each half century, and her liberties, so sure as 
the heavens continue to enarch her, will re- 
main unshaken, and like those heavens, will 
increase in attractiveness and brilliancy for at 
least five tliousand years to come. 

Bethesda's healing pool was not more dear 
to the afflicted ancients, than are the robust 
counsels of an aged statesman to his fellow 
republicans, in restoring the disordered organs 
of civil goveriim(Mit, and to ])r(V'<erve them in 



21 

harmonious action when restored. If it is true 
that Libeitas est natuialtsJacuUas, ejus quid cuicjue 
Jacere, libtt nisi (juod de jure aul vi pio/ubitur, 
then surely its beauty is paralleled only by its 
beneficence. 

Liberty ! What is it ? Whence came it ? 
For whom does it exist ? Is it not the oti- 
spring ol" Truth ? Came it not i'rom God ? Is 
not its existence, designed as a blessing lor all 
men ? Liberty seeks no tyrant's throne, puts 
on no castly crown, wields no servitudian 
sceptre ; like David its throne is a righteous 
rulership ; like Solomon its crown is a rubian 
wisdom ; and like a Patriarch its sceptre is the 
sceptre of peace. Liberty sprang from no Cali- 
gula's brain, — issued from no King Philip's 
heart — arose to adorn no Bourbon's reign; 
like Demosthenes, it sprang up to distinguish a 
Grecian nation ; like Cicero, it issued ibrth to 
immortalize a Roman nation ; and like Clav, 
it arises to characterize an American nation. 
Liberty intends to establish no institution ibr 
human enslavement, designs to perpetuate or 
favor no potentanical dynasty, rears and up- 
holds no uncomly fabric, at fault Avith the ele- 
gant structure of supreme equality ; like Solon, 
its intentions are the establishing of a govern- 
ment to bless every people between the poles ; 
like Washington, its design is to enstamp per- 
petuity upon institutions which shall nobleize 
all nations; and like the architect of a ponderous 
universe, it designs the comliest edifice of bliss- 
fulness for all sentient beings ; which is reared 
with the right hand of reason, and with tlie 
left hand of hallowed love, is uphchl -. in im- 
posing greatness, incomparable grandeur, and 
inextinguishable glory. 

Henrv Clav, at birth, like the American re- 






22 

public, possessed but few prospects of preemi- 
nence except those of undeveloped resources 
within. His early years of self-discipline were 
like summer showers, to ripen the priceless pro- 
ducts of his genius ; his labors of manhood 
were like the sheaves of a thousand shocks, 
ever ready for his country's use; his works are 
inscribed upon the mind of America, like noble 
axioms upon a temple's front; his name will 
live in hujnan memory, like a great thought, 
down the centuries; his example will inspirit- 
ize his successors, like the leading note of 
Michael, the choir above ; his last moments 
like his last words, were triumphantly happy ; 
in his departing hours of earthality he com- 
muned with celestials, and invited the angels 
to enjoy a visit of love with him, even upon his 
couch of disembodiment; and while absorbed 
with the delights of their compnnionship, he 
apparently forgot the earth, and like Elijah, 
returned with them into the heavens. 



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